Governor loosens ban on elective surgery as expiration nears for executive orders

Apr 22, 2020

Gov. Doug Ducey is lifting the ban on elective surgeries beginning May 1.

Non-essential medical procedures had been set aside to free up equipment and personnel to treat coronavirus patients. Today’s executive order changing that had stipulations, however.

Hospitals, dental offices and other health facilities must show they have “implemented measures intended to keep health care workers and patients safe.”

For instance, they must have a 14-day supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and they must test patients for COVID-19 before surgery, among other things.

“Because of these preparations, and the responsible actions of Arizonans across our state, data shows our health system continues to remain ahead of the curve,” Ducey said in the announcement. “Today’s order continues to prioritize public health while improving access to care for Arizonans and the overall viability of our health care system.”

Ducey has issued a series of executive orders, some specific to the medical profession and others more generally describing essential work. The governor’s “Stay Home” order and some others “expire” May 1, but that does not mean an instant opening of all businesses and procedures.

“No matter what starts to happen,” Mayor Christian Price said Tuesday during a regular meeting of the city council, “if the economy starts to open back up and things are allowed differently than they are today, they will be done in a measured fashion, a balanced fashion, one in which we’re still going to have a variety of different restrictions – facemask, social distancing, those types of things will be with us.”

The loosening of restrictions on elective surgeries was in part inspired by the availability of beds and increased safety procedures. Those surgeries will be prioritized by urgency.

Health facilities must get specific approval from the Department of Health Services before resuming surgeries. The department will re-consider its approval with the facility every two weeks.

“Today’s order ensures that adequate protections remain in place as health care facilities expand operations and that public health remains our top priority,” ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said in today’s announcement.

There are 5,459 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arizona, 25 in ZIP code 85138, and 229 deaths attributed to the virus statewide.

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